Dry conditions prompt season

SAN ANDREAS - The Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is officially in fire season.

Because of extremely dry conditions, the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit switched to fire season staffing levels May 1, earlier than usual.

The unit serves Tuolumne and Calaveras counties as well as the eastern edge of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.

Also, the unit is under new leadership. Josh White was appointed unit chief on May 1. The former chief, Brian Kirk, retired in March. White has been a firefighter since 1988 and has worked in many positions within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.